Stars: 'United We Stand'

Newcastle's players today said they are 100 per cent united in their bid to ensure Premier League survival - and reacted angrily to false rumours of disharmony within the squad.

Senior players admitted they are hurting over recent results but strongly dismissed any suggestion of a rift within the dressing room.

Papiss Cisse said: "Every player is together. We are totally focussed on Saturday's game at West Ham and the two games after that. We have a strong bond and we want the best for our Club, our manager and our wonderful fans.

"We are not happy about recent results. Nobody is happy when they lose, but this has only made us stronger as a group and we will come through this together. There is no divide in the team."

The players insist that all members of the squad - including recent signings who arrived in January - are determined to turn things around.

"We want to let the fans know that all of the players are committed and we are in this together," said midfielder Cheick Tiote.

"We will fight to get out of this problem and we know our fans will help us to do that. They are incredible."

Newcastle United managing director Derek Llambias said: "The Club is determined to turn things around and everyone is working together to secure that goal. It is not helpful when people try and distract the team and the manager with false rumours."

The Magpies travel to West Ham on Saturday, followed by QPR the weekend after, before returning to St. James' Park for the final game of the season against Arsenal on Sunday, 19th May.